Revised joint replacement packages and pricing as per Govt NPPA implant pricing, effective 16th Aug 2017.

What to Expect on Knee Surgery Day

Sometimes a knee replacement is the only option for reducing pain and restoring a normal activity level.

If your doctor decides that knee surgery is right for you, here is an idea of what to expect during days leading up to and the day of your surgery.

Pre-Surgery Routines

Once you and your Orthopaedic Surgeon have decided to proceed with knee replacement surgery, there are several activities that must occur to help make sure all goes well. First you will have your initial surgical consultation, which will include preoperative X-rays, a complete past medical history, a complete past surgical history and a complete list of all medications and allergies. This consultation will also include orthopaedic examination and discussion of the knee replacement surgery procedure. Next you will have a complete physical examination. Your internist or family physician will determine if you are in the best possible condition to undergo knee surgery. You may wish to donate blood prior to your knee replacement surgery in the event that a transfusion is required after surgery. Your doctor may recommend that you see a physical therapist before surgery to learn exercises to begin prior to surgery. You will also get an overview of the rehabilitation process after knee replacement surgery. This will prepare you better for your post-operative care.

Preparation For The Hospital

You may want to bring the following items to the hospital for your knee replacement surgery:

Clothing: underwear, socks, t-shirts, exercise shorts for rehabilitation Footwear: walking or tennis shoes for rehab; slippers for hospital room Walking aids: walker, cane, wheelchair, or crutches if used prior to surgery Insurance information The evening before surgery you should not eat or drink after midnight. Your surgeon may provide you with special soap. You should shower and use this soap to scrub the surgical area for five minutes, or as long as prescribed. Prepare your belongings for the hospital, relax, and get a good night’s rest before your surgery day.

Preoperative Procedures

The afternoon before your surgery, you will be admitted to the hospital. Your vital signs will be taken, you’ll be given a clean hospital gown to wear during the procedure, and an IV will be started to give you fluids and medication during and after the procedure. You may be provided an elastic stocking to decrease the likelihood of blood clots. You will be asked to empty your bladder. All jewelry, dentures, contacts, and nail polish must be removed. The surgical leg will be scrubbed and shaved in preparation for surgery. The anesthesiologist will come into your room and discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used.

Surgery And Recovery

A Total Knee Replacement involves cutting away the damaged bone of the knee joint and replacing it with a prosthesis. You will be under anesthesia during the procedure. After your surgery is completed, you will be transported to the recovery room for close observation of your vital signs, circulation, and sensation in your legs and feet. As soon as you awaken and your condition is stabilized, you will be transferred to your room.

When you wake up you will find a bulky dressing applied to your incision in order to maintain cleanliness and absorb any fluid. There may be a drain placed near your incision in order to record the amount of fluid being lost from the wound.

Your doctor may prescribe a PCA device (patient-controlled analgesia) that is connected to your IV. The unit is set to deliver a small, controlled flow of pain medication and is activated when you firmly press the button on your machine. Press the button anytime you are having pain.

You may have a catheter inserted into your bladder as the side effects of anesthesia may make it difficult to urinate.

FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear on the day of knee surgery?

On the day of surgery, we advise you to wear loose-fitting bottoms, preferably with an elastic waistband and comfortable tops. Patients must prioritize shorts as they do not rub against the dressing after the procedure. If you wish to wear shoes, ensure they are easy to put on and remove; slip-on shoes could be better. Please avoid clothes that need to be pulled over the head. Also, avoid tight clothes, makeup, high heels, jewellery, or contact lenses.


Can I eat or drink before knee surgery?

In the days before knee surgery, it's important to focus on healthy eating habits that can help your body prepare for healing after the surgery.

Lean protein sources like poultry, fish, and eggs, along with complex carbohydrates found in whole grains, legumes, and vegetables, are great choices. However, as surgery approaches, dietary preferences tend to change a bit.

  • Solid foods, particularly those high in fat or fried, should be avoided for at least 8 hours beforehand.
  • Similarly, dairy products, sugary drinks, and alcohol are off-limits for at least 24 hours before surgery.
  • In the final 2 hours before surgery, stick to clear liquids only, such as water, clear broth, or black coffee.

Remember, these are general guidelines. Every patient could have specific dietary reservations and preferences based on their existing conditions. After evaluating your particular case, only your knee replacement surgeon can make suitable suggestions that can smooth surgery and optimal recovery.


How long does knee surgery take

The duration of knee surgery depends on the specific knee condition, the extent of the damage, and the particular knee procedure being performed. Here are the most common knee surgery procedures and their average times:

  • Total knee replacement: Total knee replacement is a major surgery that can take around 3-4 hours on average from start to finish.
  • Partial knee replacement: Partial knee replacement surgery repairs and replaces only a certain section of the damaged knee. It can take an hour or two.
  • Arthroscopic knee surgery (arthroscopy): Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive knee surgery procedure that usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes.

Will I feel pain during knee surgery?

The patient will not feel any pain during knee surgery as it is performed under anesthesia. There are two types of anesthesia: General anesthesia and Regional anesthesia.

General anesthesia puts the patient to sleep, and they won't be aware of anything during surgery. Regional anesthesia numbs the area of the body that is operated on, and the patient may be slightly awake or lightly sedated. In either case, the patient will not feel pain during knee surgery.


What happens during knee surgery?

Generally, a knee surgery procedure can be divided into three main stages: preoperative care, surgery, and post-operative recovery.

Preoperative care: As the surgery date approaches, the knee surgeon discusses the details, gives insight, and provides dietary instructions. Restrictions on certain medications (if taken) and other anesthesia options will be discussed with the patient.

Surgery: During the knee surgery, the patient will be under anesthesia so that they will feel no pain. The knee surgeon makes an incision to access the knee joint, and the subsequent steps will vary based on the knee surgery procedure. In short, the damaged knee tissue is removed, repaired, and replaced with prosthetic implants as needed.

Post-operative recovery: After surgery, the patient will be monitored in the recovery section before being transferred to the reception section for discharge. Pain management is the priority after surgery. The knee surgeon provides a comprehensive plan of care and suggests physical therapy, giving the patient a recovery timeline.